The 18 metre rotor diameter AR1500 turbine, scheduled for delivery dockside in Scotland in 2016, will be one of the largest capacity single rotor turbines ever built. The AR1500 turbine will have an active rotor pitching system and full nacelle yawing capability, the Company explained.

The Lockheed Martin turbine construction contract scope includes the manufacture of the steel turbine housing, the assembly of all the turbine modules (including the gearbox and generator) and the systems integration and quality assurance of the overall turbine delivery programme.

The yaw drive and variable pitch system that will be integrated into the AR1500 are being developed and manufactured by Lockheed Martin as part of their commitment under the existing technology partnership teaming agreement struck between Atlantis and Lockheed in 2013.

Atlantis also announced that contractors will today (March 30) start horizontal directional drilling operations at the MeyGen site in Caithness, to create the bores for the cables which will link the onshore site at Ness of Quoys with the four subsea turbines. Construction works have been underway at the onshore site since January to prepare the necessary infrastructure for this important phase of the project, Atlantis informed.

Tim Cornelius, CEO of Atlantis, commented:

“This new multi-million pound contract with Lockheed Martin further develops the strong relationship that exists between the two companies who are at the forefront of tidal power generation. Lockheed Martin has been a strong partner and supporter of Atlantis for a number of years and we look forward to continuing to work alongside this global technology giant as we continue to deliver turbine systems for installation on the MeyGen project going forward.”